Donate, volunteer, and take other steps to help advance peace and social justice.

Get on board! Join the Chicago crew to send a U.S. Boat to Gaza!

Javascript is required to view this map.

Sunday, August 8, 2010 - 3:30pm - 5:30pm

(We request that you do not consume alcoholic beverages prior to or during our meeting. We also reserve the right to ask anyone that is disruptive to leave.)

In the aftermath of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla attack, the international community has become more critical of Israel's blockade of Gaza. Despite assuaging statements from Israeli officials, the siege continues and few supplies and freedoms are granted to the Gazan people. The open-air prison, blockaded by land and sea, is in dire need of materials to rebuild since the month long 2009 assault on the Gaza Strip.

We are planning to launch a U.S. boat to Gaza in September or October of this year, which will join a flotilla of ships from Europe, Canada, India, South Africa and parts of the Middle East. We want to challenge the illegal blockade and need your support!

Help us make the U.S. boat, to be named The Audacity of Hope, a reality. Our goal was to raise $370,000 in the next several weeks. Nationally, we have already almost $90,000!

These funds will be used to purchase a boat large enough for 40-60 people, secure a crew, and cover the licensing and registering of the boat. In addition, the funds will subsidize some other costs of sending a U.S. delegation.

Our work does not stop there. Join our working group to stay updated about fundraising and education efforts in the Chicago-area. Working to engage and spread awareness on the reality of the siege on Gaza is the ultimate goal of the Ships to Gaza. If you are interested in joining our group of organizers and fundraisers, please email chicagotogaza@googlegroups.com. If you want to be updated on our initiatives, but are not interested in being an organizer, please email supportustogaza@googlegroups.com.

Stand up and join us in making our money and efforts count for a true justice in Palestine!

Endorsing organizations: (if your organization is not an endorse, please discuss it now!)14 Friends of PalestineA.R.T. (Activist Response Team)Adalah-NY: The New York Campaign for the Boycott of IsraelAl-Awda NYAmerican Jews for a Just PeaceAmerican Muslims for PalestineBoston University Students for Justice in PalestineChicago Coalition Against War and RacismChicagoans Against Apartheid in PalestineCODEPINKCODEPINK – Chicago AreaCommittee for a Just Peace in Israel and PalestineCouncil for the National InterestFree Gaza MovementGay Liberation Network Chicago, ILGaza Freedom MarchGranny Peace BrigadeHammerhard MediaWorksIf Americans KnewInternational Socialist OrganizationInternational Solidarity Movement – ChicagoInternational Solidarity Movement – North CarolinaJewish Voice for PeaceJewish Voice for Peace – ChicagoJEWS SAY NO!Justice For Palestinians – San Jose, CAMiddle East Crisis ResponsePalestine Solidarity Group – ChicagoPeace Action New York StateSacramento Area Peace ActionSacramento BDS Working GroupThe War Crimes TimesThe World Can't Wait!US Campaign to End the Israeli OccupationVeterans for PeaceVoices for Creative NonviolenceWar Resisters LeagueWESPACWomen in Black Union SquareWomen of a Certain AgeWoodstock International

Location

Who we are

AFSC is a Quaker organization devoted to service, development, and peace programs throughout the world. Our work is based on the belief in the worth of every person, and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice. Learn more

Where we work

AFSC has offices around the world. To see a complete list see the Where We Work page.